Study Abroad Programs In the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences At Texas A&M University.

International awareness within an undergraduate agricultural curriculum is imperative given the global nature of food production, population, and natural resource management. Agriculture and Natural Resource graduates are more prepared to participate in a globalized economy and address international security interests if they have had international exposure.  Perhaps more importantly, international experiences aid in personal growth and development of leadership skills of U.S. students going abroad.  Agronomy and soil science students in particular need this experience because of food, fiber, and bio-energy issues confronting the agriculture industry on a global scale. Faculty in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Texas A&M University are developing several programs to provide and promote international engagement of students. Study abroad programs are in place to take students to Brazil, Mexico, Scotland, Australia, and Honduras with other programs in the planning stages. The content of each of these programs provides active learning experiences and unique perspectives on agriculture. The Department has also sent individual students to countries in Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East. As a result, international exposure has changed the trajectory of several students’ paths to international careers. Students returning from study abroad programs tend to be more focused on academics and with better leadership skills.